Our History
1939
Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital first opened its doors in 1939 under the ownership of Dr. Ronald Lombard.
1939
Dr. Lombard was a world-class sled dog musher who competed yearly in Alaska with his dogs, winning the North American Championship many times. He used his winnings from these competitions to finance his education and ultimately, to open this hospital.
1977
In 1977, Dr. Lombard retired and sold the practice to Dr. Robert Denk and Dr. Edmund Prescottano. College roommates and graduates of Ohio State University’s Class of 1971, Dr. Denk and Dr. Prescottano oversaw a renovation of the hospital in 1980 and sought to continue Dr. Lombard’s tradition of excellent veterinary care.
2007
In 2007, ownership passedto Dr. Larry Hawk, who continued his predecessors’ pursuit of excellence in veterinary medicine by overseeing several new facility enhancements and numerous investments in state-of-the-art medical equipment.
In 2007, Dr. Hawk brought all of his unique skills and career history to bear as the new owner of Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital, and continued his predecessors’ pursuit of excellence in veterinary medicine by overseeing several new facility enhancements and numerous investments in state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Dr. Larry Hawk brought over forty years of experience in veterinary practice and veterinary management to Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Hawk began his career at Michigan State University, where he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1978. After graduation, he joined a small animal practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he helped to design and build an award winning animal hospital. He further developed his medical and management skills as he continued his career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, PetSmart, the ASPCA in New York and finally the MSPCA-Angell here in Boston. Dr. Hawk had to stay at the top of his “medical game” while working to develop new nutritional products at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and while supervising the veterinary staff at PetSmart, the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, the ASPCA Poison Control Center and the Angell Animal Medical Center. At these organizations, some of the top veterinarians in their fields constantly challenged the existing body of veterinary knowledge and developed leading edge treatment options.
2007- Present
These facility enhancements made valuable new diagnostic and treatment tools available, including laser surgery, digital radiography, endoscopy, rhinoscopy, digital dental radiography and oral surgery. The hospital also expanded from two doctors to four, and added to its staff of qualified technicians in order to better serve our patients.
As the owner of Commonwealth Vet, Dr. Hawk continued his previous history of innovation and forward progress, bringing digital radiography, advanced dentistry, endoscopy, and stem cell therapy to our hospital. He constantly sought out new technologies and training, bringing cutting edge diagnostics and surgical techniques to our patients at CVH. Dr. Hawk’s professional interests include oral surgery, oral healthcare, laser surgery, laser light therapy and senior wellness care. He has served on numerous boards, including the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and holds an MBA from Northeastern University. Dr Hawk retired from practice in 2022. While he is no longer actively practicing at Commonwealth Veterinary Hospital, he worked hard to assemble the extremely qualified and compassionate team that we have here today to carry on his legacy here at CVH.
The Next Chapter
As Dr. Hawk reduced his hours in practice, Dr. Kate Wissel stepped into the role of Medical Director. While Dr. Hawk is no longer actively practicing at CVH, he remains in touch and is happily finding himself able to spend time with his fast-growing grandchildren. Abby Cochran has been mentored by both Dr. Hawk and our now retired Hospital Director, Patti Hawk, for many years. Together, Abby and Dr. Wissel are well-prepared to lead CVH into the future. The high standards for patient care, customer care, and new technologies set by the Hawks remain top priority for our next generation of leaders.
